The Evanston Township High School boys lacrosse team ended last year on a sour note, losing to Wheaton Warrenville South, 6-5, in postseason play. With a new season about to get underway, the Wildkits hope to avenge that loss with a solid 2011 season and a long postseason run.
There will not be a shortage of experience on this year’s team, as the Kits have five players with
three years of experience on varsity at all positions including attack, midfield and defense. Among those returning are senior and midfielder Kevin Jamieson, goalie Nick Reinburg, defensemen Billy Prout and attacker Zach Nauert. The Kits have 15 seniors on the team.
With that amount of experience comes higher expectations and a tougher schedule, but the Kits are ready for the challenge.
“I’m looking forward to having a much tougher schedule overall this year to prove that we can beat some of the top tier teams that we did not play last year,” said Jamieson.
“Our goals and expectations this year are to beat and compete with the top teams in the State such as New Trier (April 14), Stevenson (April 16), and Loyola (May 7),” said senior midfielder Chris Springer. “Also, our schedule has improved in strength a lot from last year. From playing these better teams it will prepare us to make a deep run come playoffs.”
Jamieson agreed, saying, “I think everybody [hopes] to get deeper in the playoffs than the second round this year and [also to] win some games against some of the very good teams in the State and coming together as a team.” He added, “Putting some hard work in will take us there.”
Looking back on last season, Springer said, “Some positives I took away from last season were learning our new system under [Coach Adam Hughes], who has played and coached in the college and professional ranks, how to effectively run a lacrosse team,” He added, “Also I noticed our program’s attitude really shaped up and it showed through everyone’s commitment out there on the field.”
The Kits open the season on Mar. 17 at Lake Forest; then they participate in the Oak Park River Forest Invite on Mar. 19. From there they face Central Suburban League South Conference foe Glenbrook South on Mar. 24. The first home game is on Apr. 11 against Maine South at Lazier Field at Memorial Stadium.
Regarding the opener against Lake Forest, Springer said, “Lake Forest has been one of the better teams in the State [the past few seasons], graduating a couple Division I players in the past years.” He added, “I think it is a great way to open up our season against one of the better teams. We’re going to come out head on and get a W.”
Jamieson added, “Playing Lake Forest right off the bat will be a great way to test our mental [toughness] and possibly prove ourselves in the State.”